Pride can mean many things to different people. This annual celebration of life exists to help show everyone, especially young LGBTQ folks, that there is hope at the end of the proverbial rainbow. Pride exists to show that it can, in fact, get better. In a new book called Pride & Joy LGBTQ Artists, Icons and Everyday Heroes we can look beyond the month of June to queer trailblazers and everyday heroes for more love and inspiration.
For many, Pride has symbolized the one time of year when you could be truly proud of yourself. It was the one event, or series of events, in which many can unabashedly show themselves to the world in all their queer glory. Pride grew out of necessity. It began as a riot protesting police brutality and persistent queerphobia that we still battle today.
There haven’t been many stories of LGBTQ success, at least not in the mainstream. Many queer stories we see reflected in the media are focused on and most often marred by difficult circumstances and tragedy. Those stories are not untrue and do represent a lot of the experiences of queer people out there. But not all stories are that, even if there have been some bumps in the road. It is a broader narrative of success that Pride & Joy hopes to share more of and shine a light on.
I’ve proudly been thumbing through Pride & Joy only to recognize that I, too, have been ignorant to many of the artists and icons that have paved the way for current queer liberation as we collectively strive for acceptance. This book details the stories of true heroes and the paths they have forged, sometimes while in incredibly personal and culturally challenged circumstances. Ultimately, the book reads as hopeful celebration of LGBTQ identities and progress. You may recognize the stories of some LGBTQ artistic icons such as Tony Kusnher or choreographer Bill Jones but may be less familiar with folks like Rick Welts or Jose Comoda and Chris Phan.
This book is a treasure for any LGBTQ person, but will undoubtedly speak volumes to the younger generations who are marching forward with their own ideals and identities. This text provides a space for the narrative of internal peace and success. And these stories are all true!
And finally, in the words of the incomparable Laverne Cox:
Your lives matter. Your voices matter. Your stories matter.
Go forth. Be you and be proud. You deserve it.
Would you like support in striving for your own definition of success? We can help. Learn more about career coaching services at Viva Wellness for more information.
Author: Jor-El
Jor-El is Co-founder of Viva Wellness and a foodie and film buff. He most often writes about mental health, relationships, food and mindfulness. When he’s not busy working, he typically can be found lounging or walking around NYC with his pup Nomi.
